“It is elegantly simplistic in it's styling and totally understated for a luxury vehicle. It is classy without being a show off and handles pretty well too.”
2017 Volvo XC90: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Volvo XC90 is the new four-seat T8 Excellence, an ultra-luxury plug-in-hybrid flagship focused on rear-seat comfort. Otherwise, this is a light-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2017 Volvo XC90
2nd generation XC90 (SPA platform), second model year.
Volvo positions the XC90 as its flagship family SUV: a large, safety-focused luxury vehicle with Scandinavian design, a calm cabin, and real three-row usefulness. What sets it apart is not flashy performance alone, but the combination of elegant interior design, a large portrait-style touchscreen, strong standard safety engineering, and efficient four-cylinder gas and plug-in-hybrid powertrains. For many shoppers, the XC90’s appeal is that it feels modern and upscale without feeling overdone.
The 2017 XC90 ranges from straightforward five-seat T5 versions to stronger seven-seat T6 models with AWD. Inscription trims emphasize leather and comfort, while R-Design models have sportier styling and seats. At the top, the 400-hp T8 Excellence has four individual seats, massaging rear chairs, folding tables, a refrigerator, and a 20-speaker audio system.
What changed, by category
Lineup
The four-seat T8 Excellence joined as the plug-in-hybrid flagship. The T5 Inscription, T6 First Edition, and T8 Momentum left the lineup.
Safety
Run-off road mitigation was added, and the City Safety collision-avoidance system gained large-animal detection. Park Assist moved from standard to optional equipment across the lineup.
Tech
The Sensus touchscreen system gained built-in apps including Spotify and Park and Pay.
Equipment
LED headlights became standard on the T5 Momentum and T6 Momentum. Alloy wheels also became standard on the T6 Momentum.
2017 Volvo XC90 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd Hybrid 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd Hybrid 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drv-E Sprchgd Hybrid 2.0T |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 250 hp | 316 hp | 316 hp | 316 hp | |||
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4000 lb | 4000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft | 85.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37 in | 37 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 37 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 14 | 14 | 14 | |||||
| MPGe Combined | 54 | 54 | 54 | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Integrated Child Seat | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||||||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | ||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Volvo XC90?
The biggest change is the addition of the T8 Excellence. This four-seat, plug-in-hybrid flagship focuses on rear-passenger comfort with individual rear chairs, footrests, folding tables, a touchscreen controller, massaging seats, and a refrigerator.
Is the 2017 Volvo XC90 a redesign?
No, the 2017 XC90 is not a redesign. It is the second model year of the second-generation XC90 and receives a new flagship trim plus several safety, technology, and equipment updates.
What safety features were added to the 2017 Volvo XC90?
The 2017 XC90 added run-off road mitigation and large-animal detection. Run-off road mitigation helps respond when the SUV unintentionally leaves the road, while large-animal detection expands the City Safety collision-avoidance system.
Which Volvo XC90 trims changed for 2017?
The T8 Excellence joined the 2017 lineup, while the T5 Inscription, T6 First Edition, and T8 Momentum were dropped. The T5, T6, and T8 powertrain families otherwise carried over.
Does the 2017 Volvo XC90 T8 Excellence have a third row?
No, the 2017 T8 Excellence uses a four-seat layout instead of a conventional third row. Its two individual rear seats are designed around limousine-style comfort rather than maximum passenger capacity.
2017 Volvo XC90 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Volvo XC90.
4.2
2017 Volvo XC90
(696 reviews)
“The Volvo XC90 is absolutely terrific!!!The exterior design is Classy, interior is breathtaking and the Stereo is without question the Best I've ever listen to in a vehicle!!!”
“The brand name Volvo, in my opinion, stands for excellence, not only in research, but for the commitment of standard before the final product is placed for sale to the public.”